ELEVATOR WORLD's January 2026 Issue  On the Cover: An overview of the inclined elevator system from Project of the Year winner "Choryang 186 Stairs"
Features: Interlift 2025
Focus on the Future of VT Safety: Designing Future-Proof Safety in VT… Columns: EFESME at 20; The World of Elevator Safety in 1973…
Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW TO FOCUS ON DOORS AND DOOR OPERATORS
ELEVATOR WORLD's March 2026 issue will focus on Doors and Door Operators with a Special Regional Section on South Florida. The issue will also feature an advertising survey and will have Bonus Distribution at the NAEC Spring Conference. The article submission deadline is January 15, and the advertising deadline is February 2. To participate or for more information, contact the EW Editorial Department at phone: 251-479-4514, ext. 130 or editorial@elevatorworld.com. To advertise, contact ext. 131 or advertising@elevatorworld.com.
TECHNO ELEVATORS OFFICIALLY BECOMES PART OF LLOYDS ENGINEERING WORKS
In a LinkedIn post, Techno Industries Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Lloyds Engineering Works Ltd., shared, "We are excited to announce a significant milestone in our journey. Techno Elevators is now officially a part of Lloyds Engineering Works Ltd. Group, a collaboration that brings together engineering excellence, expanded capabilities and a future-focused vision for the elevator industry. Together, we are building a future-ready elevator ecosystem, driven by trust, technology and transformation. Here's to a new chapter of growth and stronger partnerships ahead." Read more here | | 1940 & 3148 Submersible Power Units - A Drop-In Solution That Just Works. Reliable! Compact! Built for today's solutions! When space is tight and performance matters, the 1940 & 3148 Series delivers a drop-in engineered solution for new installs and demanding modernizations. Designed for quiet operation, reduced vibration, and smooth performance, these units simplify your job while meeting strict mechanical clearances for your electrical requirements. Need more horsepower, higher flow, or larger oil capacity? The 3148 Series steps up with expanded capabilities and the proven reliability professionals come to expect. Proven design. Modern performance. Ready for your next project. www.nidecelevatorgroup.com Advertisement | | | | KIVINIEMI APPOINTED TKE ALAT DIRECTOR OF ITS AND SEED CAMPUS
Seppo Kiviniemi has been appointed director of International Technical Services (ITS) and the SEED Campus at TKE ALAT. Headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, TKE ALAT is a joint venture (JV) of Dusseldorf, Germany-based TK Elevator (TKE) and Alat, a Saudi Public Investment Fund. The JV, which entails Alat holding a 15% stake in TKE and eventually manufacturing an array of vertical-transportation equipment, was realized in summer 2025. Read more here
WILSON NAMED PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN ELEVATOR ARKANSAS
Matt Wilson was recently named president of American Elevator Co.'s Arkansas division. American Elevator has been a trusted independent elevator services provider since 1975, and the Arkansas division is a key part of the expansion of American Elevator Co. of Oklahoma into Arkansas under the Elevator Service Inc. family of companies, Wilson observed. Providing customers throughout Oklahoma and West Texas with comprehensive maintenance, repair, modernization, new installation and safety services, American Elevator has a "longstanding reputation for customer care and technical excellence," Wilson said. Read more here | | Lift Business Advisors in the last 3 years has successfully represented the sellers of more than 25 elevator contractors and suppliers in the elevator industry to a broad range of acquiring companies. Since our inception in 1998, we have provided hands on support to help improve profitability and optimize value for an eventual exit. Contact Jeff Eaton for a confidential discussion and complimentary strategic review. www.liftbusiness.com, jeff.eaton@liftbusiness.com Advertisement | | | SMITH NAMED TEI GROUP VP OF SALES — ALABAMA
Michael Smith has been named vice president (VP) of sales for TEI Group — Alabama. Based in Birmingham, Smith joins TEI after a nearly 13-year career with TK Elevator, where he managed branches, processes and more from a home base in Birmingham. Smith holds a BS in commerce and administration from the University of Alabama and studied business administration and management at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Read more here
EESF CONFERENCE, GOLF AND 35TH ANNIVERSARY QUICKLY APPROACHING
Planning is underway and momentum is being built for the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF) Annual Conference, 35th anniversary celebration and Golf Tournament presented by ELEVATOR WORLD in Point Clear, Alabama, on March 10-12. EESF reminds interested parties that if they plan to attend, golf, sponsor, participate in the Annual General Meeting or attend the anniversary dinner that now is the time to book. The venue is the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, and the Golf Tournament — with registration directly funding EESF's vertical-transportation safety education programs across North America — will take place on March 11 at the Lakewood Golf Club. A 10% golf discount ends soon. Register for golf, sponsorships or dinner tickets here. | | | FLORIDA-BASED MAVEN GROUP LOOKS FORWARD AND BACK
On December 31, 2025, Jupiter, Florida-headquartered Maven Group President Dominik Sachsenheimer looked toward an exciting 2026 and reflected on a successful 2025 that saw seven elevator industry transactions — six publicly announced — across 14 states close. This year, he said, is distinguished by "an active pipeline and continued interest in growth via mergers and acquisitions by a multitude of elevator industry consolidators and investors." Read more here
OTIS DOUBLES NEW EQUIPMENT ORDERS, EXPANDS BENGALURU FACILITY
In a LinkedIn post, Otis Elevator Co., conveyed, "In just three years, we've doubled new equipment orders and expanded our Bengaluru facility by 20%. In an interview with Business Line, Sebi Joseph, president of Otis India, shared how India has become Otis' fastest-growing market among large economies, and one of only two global escalator manufacturing hubs alongside China." Read more here | | Mongrain Vertical Transport current products include the complete range of hydraulic elevators as well as the Emarelle hydraulic machine-room-less elevator system. Each is custom tailored to meet demanding design and performance standards as specified by building owners, architects, and installers. For more information, please email us at info@mvtinc.com or visit us online at www.mvtinc.com. Advertisement | | | | NEW YORK'S BENFIELD ELECTRIC CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
Benfield Electric and Elevator Supply Corp., with locations in Mount Vernon and White Plains, NY, is celebrating 75 years in 2026 with a full year of events and activities planned. Benfield is a wholesale distributor founded by Herb Benfield in 1951, and has had its elevator division for 28 years. Considering NYC its lifeblood, Benfield carries all manner of supplies needed to keep vertical-transportation (VT) systems running smoothly — traveling cable, wire rope and door edges, to name a few. Read more here
NORTHWEST INDIA RAILWAY STATION WELCOMES NEW ESCALATORS
The foot overbridge (FOB) at Raika Bagh Railway Station in Jodhpur in Rajasthan, northwest India, recently received four new escalators, part of a 4.5-crore (US$498,640) project aimed at enhancing accessibility for the elderly, differently abled, sick and those carrying heavy luggage, Bhaskar reports. All on the Jodhpur Cantt side of the FOB, the escalators connect both platforms of the station. Work on the escalators, which complement new lifts on the FOB on the Jodhpur side, began in August 2023. Read more here | | ATIS APPOINTS NEW CFO/SVP OF CORPORATE STRATEGY
ATIS, one of North America's largest providers of vertical-transportation consulting, inspections and managed services, has announced the appointment of Aaron Boyll as chief financial officer (CFO) and senior vice president (SVP) of corporate strategy. His appointment represents a strategic investment as ATIS continues to expand client solutions, strengthen operational execution and drive long-term growth and profitability. Boyll brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across corporate development, finance, operations and strategic growth. Based in St. Louis, he has led organizations through periods of expansion and transformation across multiple industries. Most recently, Boyll served as managing director of the Strategic Resource Group at Jones Capital, where he led value creation initiatives across portfolio companies. He also held board-level and operating leadership roles, including serving as president and chief operating officer. Earlier in his career, Boyll spent 12 years on Cequel III's Corporate Development team, where he played a key role in investment strategy and execution, including the sale of Suddenlink Communications to Altice Group in 2015. He also supported acquisition integration efforts across the portfolio. Boyll holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor of science in Metallurgical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. | | Maven Group, LLC is the premier choice for owners of independent elevator companies who consider selling their business. We understand the daily challenges of independent companies and we know what buyers are looking for. To maximize your return, we provide hands-on help when you prepare for the complex mergers & acquisitions process. For confidential advice, please contact Dominik Sachsenheimer at dominik@mavenelevator.com / 561-225-3320 or Bill Beaury at bill@mavenelevator.com / 239-253-4500; www.mavenelevator.com Advertisement | | | DEUTSCHE BAHN SEEKS SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEMATIC BERLIN ELEVATOR
The Deutsche Bahn is seeking solutions for a problematic elevator at the Berlin-Rummelsburg Station in the Lichtenberg District of Berlin, Germany, The Munich Eye reports. The elevator, connecting vital platforms at the station, has been frequently been out of order, causing major problems for travelers, especially those who are physically handicapped or rely on a wheelchair. The Deutsche Bahn has dispatched on-site inspectors from its elevator operating company to identify the underlying causes of the malfunctions and explore solutions including improving maintenance, replacing components or modernizing parts or all of the system. The situation at the Berlin-Rummelsburg station reflects the importance of reliable infrastructure to ensure equal access as cities work to meet the needs of aging populations and people with disabilities.
WISCONSIN SERVICE DOG NONPROFIT SEEKS FUNDS FOR ELEVATOR
Custom Canines Service Dog Academy, a nonprofit organization in Madison, Wisconsin, that trains service dogs for military veterans and first responders who are disabled, is seeking US$51,000 to replace its elevator, WKOW reports. A safe, functional lift, Custom Canines President Nicole Meadowcroft observed, is critical for clients to access all parts of the three-story facility. Read more here | | ONYX is your trusted partner for escalator handrail solutions, with local manufacturing in Las Vegas and a complete inventory ready for same-day pick-up. Our 24/7 online portal offers instant quotes, order tracking, and real-time updates—anytime, anywhere. Designed for speed, reliability, and fast, nationwide field service, ONYX keeps your escalators moving. For more information, please email us at sales@onyxloops.com or visit www.onyxloops.com. Ready when you are. Advertisement | | | | IN MEMORIAM: JOHN WOO
John Woo, former owner and CEO of San Francisco-based Imperial Elevator, an ELEVATOR WORLD contributor and a staunch supporter of the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC), passed away in July 2025 at the age of 95. His career spanned more than 40 years in the elevator industry before he retired in 1999. Two of his and his wife Nancy's sons also went into the elevator business. A dinner honoring the occasion, covered by EW, noted those in attendance included owners of many independent elevator companies throughout the U.S., as well as representatives of NAEC, the International Union of Elevator Constructors and the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation. Among Woo's contributions to NAEC was serving on the Board of Directors and numerous committees, and conceiving and establishing the NAEC Employee Benefit Trust, a medical insurance plan for member firms. He was awarded the William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service Award at the annual NAEC Convention in Washington, D.C., in 1993. A delegate to a White House business-development conference in 1978, Woo was active in the Northern California Elevator Industry Group and on the State of California Safety Code Committee. Survivors include Nancy, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives and friends. | | Bring It On! Neither rain, sleet, snow, dirt or corrosive environments can stop our NEMA 4X push buttons, fixtures, hall stations or position indicators from doing their job. All our NEMA 4X products are built from heavy-duty materials and components to ensure continuous operation in harsh or potential high abuse applications. Year after year after year. www.innovationind.com Advertisement | | | NYC MTA RINGS IN 2026 WITH THREE NEW ELEVATORS
The NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) rang in 2026 with plenty of good news, including the unveiling of three new elevators at three stations in Manhattan that involved companies including Mid-American Elevator and Otis. Announced on December 31, 2025, the new units mark completion of a record 39 elevator replacements for 2025, more than double the previous record of 16 set in 2021. Read more here
NORTH CAROLINA ELIMINATES ELEVATOR INSPECTION BACKLOG
North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley has announced that the Department of Labor (DoL) has fully eliminated the state's elevator inspection backlog — achieving a major public-safety milestone in less than one year. For the first time in the history of the North Carolina DoL, there are zero elevators in the state overdue for inspection. Before Farley took office, the backlog reached a peak of 20%, meaning as many as one in every five elevators were not inspected each year. The Department conducted a top-to-bottom review of its internal operations, identified inefficiencies and implemented targeted improvements to how inspections were scheduled, tracked and completed. Through stronger management practices, better coordination and a renewed focus on customer service and accountability, the Department was able to increase inspection efficiency without adding new costs to taxpayers. Additionally, Farley worked with the General Assembly to pass the Make Elevators Great Again Act into law that ensured the Department had the resources needed to support these internal reforms. As of the end of December, 32,527 elevators across North Carolina were inspected within the past year — an increase of 5,088 inspections over the prior year — marking the highest level of compliance and operational efficiency in the Department's history. | | ESCALATOR WORK UNDERWAY AS LONDON DLR STATION REMAINS CLOSED
After approximately five years of passengers dealing with faulty escalators at Transport for London's (TfL) Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Cutty Sark Station in Greenwich, Southeast London, four new KONE escalators are arriving on-site and expected to be operational by spring, MyLondon reports. In the meantime, the station remains closed. Read more here
BELTWAYS FOUNDERS ATTENDING CES IN LAS VEGAS
Brothers John and Matine Yuksel, founders of a first-of-its-kind modular accelerating walkway called Beltways®, are attending the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 5-9. "While I look forward to seeing what's trending across mobility, hardware and applied AI, I'm also going because each year, friends text us saying they wish Beltways high-speed accelerators were there." The brothers continue to develop Beltways — originally conceived by their father, Edip Yuksel, in his native Türkiye — from their headquarters near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron, Kentucky. The annual CES is regarded as one of the world's most influential technology trade shows where major tech companies unveil new products in areas like AI, smart homes, automotive technology, mobility and digital health. It is organized by the Consumer Technology Association. | | THE 2026 EW MEDIA KIT IS HERE! Download the ELEVATOR WORLD Media Kit to see EW's upcoming feature stories, focus topics, special sections and editorial and advertising submission deadlines here. Join us as we continue to celebrate and support the industry in 2026! Advertisement | | | AFFORDABLE HOUSING TOWER PLANNED IN NYC
The Hudson Mosaic, a 100%-affordable, 280-unit, 35-story tower with a vast NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) recreation center, is planned at 388 Hudson Street on a lot owned by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the West Village of Manhattan's Hudson Square, dezeen is among outlets to report. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron and Curtis + Ginsberg Architects with a pleated profile, the project is a partnership of public entities the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, DPR and DEP. Read more here
ESCALATOR COMING TO BUSY SUBWAY STATION IN SOUTH KOREA
Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province, just east of Seoul, South Korea, has allocated KRW200 million (US$138,228) for detailed design services by Seoul Transportation Corp. for an escalator at the Gwangmyeong Intersection Station on Line 7 of the subway, The Asia Business Daily reports. By 2029, the city aims to install an escalator on the station's external staircase. The 1.2 m-wide escalator, like the staircase, will connect the station's first basement floor to its second basement floor. There will be two upper and two lower units. With the area experiencing large-scale redevelopment and construction, the station is expected to see growing traffic. Approximately 41,176 people use the Gwangmyeong Intersection Station daily, making it the fourth-busiest among the 42 stations along Line 7.
EAST TEXAS MAN DIES FALLING FROM HOMEMADE ELEVATOR
A 67-year-old man died after falling from a homemade elevator at a house in Anderson County, Texas, on December 30, CBS 19 is among outlets to report. Anderson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Tammy Lightfoot confirmed that the man fell approximately 8 ft from the homemade lift. Lightwood ordered an autopsy to be performed by Forensic Medical in Tyler, Texas. | | On January 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM, ELEVATOR WORLD and FIELDBOSS are breaking down the 2025 Elevator AI Survey results, giving operators, owners, and investors a look at what's working now — and what isn't — in real-world deployments. If you're responsible for reliability, margin protection, or evaluating technology impact across a multi-site or portfolio business, register today! Advertisement | | | EDITORIAL AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: Editorial submissions, reprint permission requests and subscription/removal requests should be sent to editorial@elevatorworld.com. ELENET Editorial staff: Angela C. Baldwin, Kaija Wilkinson, Lindsay Fletcher and Kathleen Farrell. ADVERTISEMENTS: To advertise and reach ELENET's readership of 41,000+, contact the Advertising staff at phone: 251-479-4514 or e-mail: advertising@elevatorworld.com. Download the ELEVATOR WORLD magazine Editorial Calendar to see EW's upcoming feature stories, focus topics, special topics, special sections and Editorial/Advertising submission deadlines here. ELENET is a registered trademark, and all rights are reserved. Copyright 2025 © Elevator World, Inc., 354 Morgan Avenue, Mobile, AL 36606, phone: 251-479-4514, www.elevatorworld.com. | | | | |
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